Flying

The congressional logjam blocking long-term FAA funding in the U.S. appears to be broken. Perhaps the FAA can finally move ahead with the much-heralded “next generation” air-traffic-control program known as NextGen.

This year, Bombardier will launch one of the most ambitious flight-test programs in business aviation history. The Learjet 85 is scheduled to enter service next year and as many as five conforming aircraft could make their first flights in the coming months.

The 1932 Piper Cub sold for $1,300 and embodied everything Bill Piper thought an airplane should be: affordable to own and operate, simple, rugged and fun to fly. You can land it in a short farm field, a small lake or a tiny patch of gravel in the middle of a river. For many a bush pilot today, the Piper Cub remains the ride of choice for these reasons. There’s no drama here.

A year ago–or three or five, for that matter–it seemed as if ­private aircraft already offered just about every imaginable onboard luxury. Nevertheless, designers keep stretching their imaginations and, year after year, they deliver new products that can make your flights even more enjoyable than before.

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Although the rate of growth of the business aircraft manufacturing industry has slowed, it continues to generate billions in economic output each year and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Here are the key facts about each of the major aircraft manufacturers.

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Nearly two-dozen jet aircraft for business and personal use are in various stages of development or have just entered service. All are bigger, faster and more efficient than anything that has gone before in their class. Here is a look at some of the more prominent projects.

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The completion or refurbishment of a modern business jet refers to the process by which the cabin interior is finished or reworked. It is a complex project requiring specialized skills and artistic talent. Here are 10 tips to help you find the right experts and get the ball rolling.

Online flight-planning company FltPlan.com has partnered with Corporate Angel Network (CAN) to make it easier for corporate flight departments to notify CAN of the availability of empty seats in the aircraft they fly.

Charter operator Elite Aviation has launched an initiative designed to cater to its clients' every whim. Called Elite Attaché, the program allows passengers “to experience almost anything they can imagine,” according to the firm, which will take care of the planning and details.

Boston-based Magellan Jets is offering two free hours of flight time with the purchase of a 25-hour jet card for the Hawker 800XP. The company, which does not own or operate aircraft, offers flights with 10 hours’ notice and does not bill for repositioning or assess fuel surcharges. Card membership includes standard catering and VIP ground transportation.

Quote/Unquote

“What we need to do is always lean into the future. When the world changes around you and when it changes against you—what used to be a tail wind is now a head wind—you have to lean into that and figure out what to do because complaining isn’t a strategy.
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